DIY: 9 Non-Toxic Cleaning Products

Did you know that the ingredients aren’t required to be listed on conventional cleaning products because their formulas are considered protected trade secrets? 

But potentially toxic ingredients aren’t the only secret cleaning manufacturers are hiding. They’d also rather you not know that you can clean just as easily with common non-toxic household staples that are infinitely safer. They’re also cheaper.

So this spring, keep your cleaning healthy with the following natural DIY recipes:

Combine all of the above in a spray bottle. Shake well. (Keep in mind that while washing soda and borax are natural minerals, they’re still caustic, and borax can be toxic if swallowed. Keep them away from children! You can also omit them from the following recipes, using other, natural ingredients in their place.)

Combine all of the above in a spray bottle. A hydrogen peroxide-based cleaner can also work well.

Mix with enough water to make a paste. Apply to oven surfaces and let sit overnight. Wipe and rinse.

Mix thoroughly then add 2 tablespoons white vinegar. Apply immediately, scrub, and wipe. A scouring scrub can also be made from blending baking soda and liquid soap to your desired consistency.

5. Toilet Bowl Cleaner

Pour 1 cup of borax and 1/4 cup of white vinegar into the bowl. Let sit overnight. In the a.m., scrub and flush.

6. Furniture Polish

Use a 1:1 mixture of olive oil and white vinegar (shake well!), and polish with a soft cloth.

7. Glass & Window Cleaner

Spray a 1:1 combination of white vinegar and water. You may have to remove the waxy build-up left behind by conventional glass cleaners. To do that, add 1/2 teaspoon of liquid soap to 1 cup each of water and white vinegar.

Combine ingredients above in a spray bottle. Shake well, spray, and let sit for several hours before wiping. Hydrogen peroxide is also good for mold and mildew.

Mix ingredients above on linoleum and other no-wax floors. For wood floors, use 1 cup of vinegar in a bucket of hot water.